Former City of Stuart mayor appointed interim executive director of the Business Development Board of Martin County
STUART—The Business Development Board of Martin County is proud to announce the appointment of Troy McDonald as interim executive director.
McDonald was unanimously appointed to the role at the BDBMC’s Sept. 23 board of directors meeting.
McDonald—who previously served in public office for more than a decade, including four years as mayor of Stuart—joined the BDBMC staff in 2025 as its director of economic development.
“Troy is uniquely equipped for this position because he has a policymaker’s understanding of the challenges and significance of economic development and how it can positively transform a community, as well as a strong grasp of what businesses need and how to help them succeed,” says Steve Hartz, president of the BDBMC Board of Directors. “It’s a natural fit. We’re confident in the direction he’ll take the organization and are eager to see what other milestones he and the team achieve.”
Distinguishing himself by overseeing the Pulse program, McDonald also coordinated with industry leaders to put on the organization’s recurring events. Those include, among others, the Manufacturers Round Table series, the Horizons commercial real estate forums and the Talent Advancement Team’s ongoing sessions addressing workforce development solutions.
McDonald also helped expanding companies investing in Martin County with site selection, key resources and connections, and process navigation. He recently played a pivotal role in attracting and assisting two marine manufacturers to the area—Catch Boatworks with its 5,600-square-foot facility and Weedoo Boats with its 27,000-square-foot operation.
In addition to owning and operating his own business assisting the local legal profession, McDonald served for 12 years on the City of Stuart Commission. For four of those years, he served as mayor of Stuart—including during the city’s centennial. His public service encompassed appointments to numerous boards, including the BDB Board of Directors, during which McDonald served as chair during its reorganization.
McDonald also served on the Stuart Community Redevelopment Agency, the Martin County Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Treasure Coast Transportation Council.
“I’m honored for this very special opportunity and grateful for the board’s support in appointing me to the interim position,” says McDonald. “I’ve been blessed to contribute to the vital work of the BDB from many vantage points, but this is the most exciting by far. Thanks to the board of directors we have in place and the awareness we’ve created among leaders in the aviation, marine and manufacturing industries, Martin County’s economy can reap the benefits of stronger existing businesses, high-skilled job attraction, and a much more diverse tax base.”
About the Business Development Board of Martin County
Founded 35 years ago, the BDBMC provides free services to existing and expanding businesses in Martin County. Its Pulse program enables the organization to learn more about the goals and challenges of local businesses and assist them with workforce needs, permitting issues and expansion plans. It also administers the Martin Loan Fund to help small businesses overcome access-to-capital needs by connecting them with a lender specializing in low-interest loans.
The BDBMC is currently in the process of putting on its seminal public event—the Martin County Business Awards. Taking place Oct. 26 and made possible by presenting sponsor Bank of America, the 2026 ceremony is held at Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa. Announced award winners include:
· Business Excellence Award: Seatorque Control Systems
· Company to Watch: Yellowpine Truss Corp.
· Entrepreneur of the Year: Frank Poma
· Headquarters of the Year: STS Aviation Group
· Innovation in Workforce Development: Angela Hoffman of the Martin Chamber Foundation’s Career Connect
· Manufacturer of the Year: Weedoo Boats
· Newcomer of the Year: Hanwha Power
· Youth Entrepreneur of the Year: Julian Delvalle
